South African songbird keeps Nairobians on their feet

South African Diva Yvonne Chaka Chaka proved that she can still keep revellers on their feet when she performed at the Carnivore on Thursday night. The show raised funds for the Kenya Breast Health Programme.

Fondly known as Princess of Africa, Chaka Chaka kept a responsive crowd on its feet with her infectious pop and girlish charm. 

The diva was here to raise funds for the Kenya Breast Health Programme to make mammography and breast cancer treatment accessible to all.

To many of her fans, this was a night to reconnect with the '80s, when Yvonne's I'm in Love with a Dj and Umqombothi.ruled the air waves and dancefloors. And she didn't disappoint. After a lacklustre curtain-raising by the now-tired tracks by the Longomba brothers, the South African songbird's appearance on stage was enough send the crowd wild.

With her powerful voice, Chaka Chaka kept fans humming along as she belted out her ever-popular hits like I'm in Love With a DJ , I Cry for Freedom, Makoti and Umqombothi.

"Napenda Kenya!, I love Africa and I owe my charm to all my fans and all those who have supported me through my career," said the singer.

Even as she belted out hit after hit, she could dabble into politics and denounce African leaders for their corrupt ways. At one stage, she composed an impromptu poem that warned politicians that the mothers of Africa would take over political leadership if they didn't change their ways. "The lady from Kenya (Prof Wangari Maathai) and Winnie Mandela are capable," she said amid cheers.

One could also not miss her sense of enterprise when she jokingly criticised Kenyans for pirating her music in the '80s. The lighthearted tone changed to a finality-laden "Stop filming or I will stop singing" when cameramen swang into action when she sang Umqombothi.

Born in Dobsonville in Soweto, Chaka Chaka started singing at 19 and although she's involved in many ventures, she says that music is still her first love. 

The singer who is popular in many parts of Africa, has 16 albums to her name. 

Her first album sold 35,000 copies, with the song I'm in Love with a DJ becoming a disco anthem. She followed it with more hits and award-winning albums. 

Among the awards she has received is the Ngomo Award for the Grand Song Prize of Zaire (now DRC). 

But Chaka Chaka is also a down-to-earth girl, who is raising her four sons with a firm hand. "I put my foot down with them and sort them out. And when angry with them or others, she has a simple solution: "I just go and sleep," she says.

She told Review of her difficult childhood. Her father died when she was 11 and her mother, a domestic worker, brought her and her two sisters up on her meagre salary. But Chaka Chaka faced the odds head on. She has two diplomas from the University of South Africa (UNISA), one in adult education and the another in local government, management and administration. She also studied speech and drama at Trinity College in London, qualifying in 1997. 

She attributes her talent to her father who was a "great musician" and her mother whom she holds in great admiration. 

She sang in church as a youngster. On her website she recounts: "When I was little I would strum an empty tin and blow into a broomstick pretending it was a microphone. I sang in church choirs – I loved singing. I am blessed that I have achieved my destiny, and have been able to accomplish what my father could not." 

Her illustrious career, which spans nearly 20 years, has produced 16 albums that define the "Princess of Africa" at her finest. The album titled Zibuyile Izinkomo boasts 12 tracks that are guaranteed to delight both established and new listeners, irrespective of their age. 

Beyond her musical achievement Yvonne has served as a role model to many.

Determined to achieve great things in life, she became the first black child to appear on South African television in 1981 on the talent search programme Sugar Shack, which introduced her to the entertainment industry and the public. Her talent was obvious, and by the time she was 19, she was a recording star. 

When asked who she admired most, she said: "My mother, because she has always been there for me. My mother raised three daughters single-handedly on a domestic worker's salary. That took great courage and strength. She is my mentor and hero." 

Yvonne’s passion for singing is also shared by her commitment to eliminate illiteracy worldwide, as demonstrated by her ceaseless work at UNISA.

Throughout her illustrious career, writes her website, Yvonne has rubbed shoulders with President Nelson Mandela, the Queen of England and US Talk show host Oprah Winfrey and many more.

Recognised for her warmth and compassion, combined with a winning personality, business acumen and intelligence, Yvonne often outdoes herself with a remarkable sense of humour.

In 2003, Yvonne was made Goodwill Ambassador for UNISA (University of South Africa) alongside other prominent personalities like Bishop Desmond Tutu.

Chaka Chaka has risen to become a powerful spokesperson for a host of other South African institutions and corporations.

Her generosity has benefited untold numbers of individuals and families facing challenges of AIDS, orphans, illiteracy, terminal illness, abuse and poverty.